Radiculopathy & sciatica decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's increased rating claims for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The issues were remanded to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine, lumbar spine, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and left upper extremity radiculopathy were denied. The VA examiners found that the Veteran's conditions did not warrant a higher rating based on their current manifestations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of entitlement to increased evaluations for lumbar spondylosis and degenerative disk disease, as well as right lower extremity radiculopathy, are on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a shrapnel wound to the neck, cervical spine disc disease, and cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity are all granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin disability, chronic headaches, back disorder (including degenerative disc disease and sciatica), nail fungus of the hands and feet, sterility/erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and recurrent hemorrhoids are all connected to service. The appeal is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial ratings on several service-connected conditions has been granted. The highest rating of 20 percent is assigned for left lower extremity radiculopathy, with the remaining conditions receiving their respective 10 percent ratings.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical radiculopathy and hypertension were not incurred or aggravated by service, nor are they related to his service-connected diabetes. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hip and knee disorders, peripheral neuropathy/radiculopathy, and pes planus were granted. He was assigned a 10% disability rating for pes planus effective October 17, 2013.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and arranging for examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The RO granted the claim to assign a rating of 40 percent for status post back injury with lumbar strain and degenerative disc disease, effective May 23, 2008.

The Board has denied all service connection claims as the Veteran does not have any diagnosed disabilities for which he can be granted service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further evaluation of the Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity due to inadequate previous examinations. The claim remains on appeal.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, and his right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each rated at 10 percent. The appeal for higher ratings has been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar sprain, degenerative disc disease (DDD), and spondylosis with sciatica are related to service. The remaining issues of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, glaucoma, residuals of tubal ligation, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of recent treatment records. The Board will review the case again after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been shown to prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar syndrome with disc degeneration and radiculopathy of the lower extremities have not met the criteria for a higher disability rating, resulting in denial.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back injury is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and workers' compensation information.